Ondo To Transform Rufus Giwa Poly Into University Of Agriculture

​By Olatunji Adesina

​AKURE – In a move to redefine the educational and economic landscape of Ondo State, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has received a comprehensive blueprint to transition the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO), into a full-fledged degree-awarding institution: the University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Owo (UNASTO).

​The Governor, while receiving the implementation committee’s report in Akure on Monday, described the upgrade as a “strategic measure” to propel the state into a new era of food security and technological self-reliance.

​A Vision for ‘Smart’ Farming

​The proposed university is designed to bridge the gap between theoretical science and practical application. Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized that the institution would not just be another school, but a hub for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and advanced technology aimed at boosting agricultural yields.

​“Science and technology must underpin everything we do,” Aiyedatiwa stated. “This university will be a pillar for national development, aligning with federal priorities in rural development, electrification, and wealth creation.”

​The Transition Blueprint

​The committee, led by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, presented a meticulous roadmap that includes:

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1.A Campus Master Plan: Comprehensive land-use maps and 3D pictorial views.

2.Academic Brief: A curriculum designed for a competitive global environment.

3.Financial Sustainability: A five-year framework balancing government subventions with credible internal revenue streams and affordable tuition.

​4.Legal Framework: A draft enabling law ready for submission to the National Universities Commission (NUC).

​Prof. Ajibefun noted that the institution would feature specialized faculties in Allied Health Sciences, Computing and Digital Technology, Engineering, and Communication Media, alongside its core Agricultural and Natural Resources focus.

​Protecting Current Students

​Addressing concerns regarding the fate of current polytechnic students, the Governor assured that the transition would be “carefully managed” to ensure no academic progress is lost during the shift.

​“We are preparing for a university capable of competing nationally and setting a benchmark in higher education,” Aiyedatiwa added, urging swift implementation of the committee’s recommendations.